Jessica Hawkins: women are strong rnough for Formula 1, but F2 and F3 may need changes
Hawkins rejects physical-strength barrier to F1
Aston Martin Formula 1 ambassador Jessica Hawkins believes women have the physical strength required to compete in Formula 1, but says the junior categories may need to evolve to give female and male drivers a more equal opportunity to progress.
Speaking on the Road to Success podcast, Hawkins reflected on her 2023 test of the Aston Martin AMR21 in Hungary. The experience left her convinced that the physical demands of an F1 car should not be viewed as a gender-specific obstacle.
âI am absolutely convinced women are strong enough for Formula 1,â Hawkins said. âI could have done the whole race [distance] if it wasn't for my neck.â
Her point was not that an F1 car is physically undemanding. Instead, Hawkins identified neck fatigue as the decisive issue during her test, describing it as a challenge associated with stepping into a high-downforce single-seater without recent preparation in that type of machinery. In her view, it is a universal difficulty rather than a limitation unique to women.
That assessment also supports Hawkinsâs broader belief that a woman could reach the F1 grid in the coming years, a view explored in our previous report on her prediction that a female driver will race in Formula 1 within âa few yearsâ.
The bigger concern lies below Formula 1
Hawkins did, however, identify a potential obstacle further down the single-seater ladder. Unlike F1 cars, Formula 2 and Formula 3 machinery do not have power steering, making the cars notably heavier to steer.
Asked whether the physical demands of those categories should be addressed to support female drivers, Hawkins replied: âMaybe. Yeah. Because I think F2 is a lot more physical than Formula 1 in different areas. Maybe less physical on the neck, but more physical in other areas.â
That distinction is significant. Hawkins is not arguing for reduced standards at the top level; she is questioning whether the route to F1 creates an additional physical hurdle before drivers have the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential. F2, she suggested, can be more demanding than F1 in areas other than the neck, despite the premier categoryâs greater high-downforce load.
Braking is not the limiting factor
Hawkins also rejected the idea that the leg strength needed for heavy F1 braking would prevent women from competing. Comparing the Aston Martin test with her GT racing experience, she said: âI had no problem with the brake in the Formula 1 car. I had no problem with brake pressure.â
Indeed, Hawkins added that brake pressure in the GT cars she currently races is more difficult for her than in the F1 car. Her argument is therefore precise: the challenge is preparation and access, not an inherent lack of strength.
Ciara Gillan
Ciara is a Dublin native, award-winning film producer, podcaster and writer with 20 years of storytelling experience. A lifelong Leinster and Ireland rugby fan, she turned her attention to the grid after moving to Berlin and co-founding Formula Live Pulse. Now, she applies her producerâs brain to Formula 1, navigating the highs of Oscar Piastriâs rise and the unique stress of being an adopted Ferrari fan. She loves talking and talking about F1, if you give her the chance!